CCT has been a catalyst for positive social change not only in the Tillery Community and Halifax County, but across the state, nation and the world. While the issues that CCT addresses start with what is confronting the Tillery community, the struggles do not stop at the community boundaries of Tillery, in fact CCT members pursue justice and help others across the nation and world. This has made CCT a national and international leader in a variety of areas, from justice for Black farmers, to health care, to environmental justice. In all of these fields, CCT has served as a catalyst, leading others to achieve great milestones.

CCT has always been centrally focused on improving the lives of Tillery residents, through many ways. CCT offered Adult Basic Education classes, and many students of these classes went on the get their high school equivalency diploma, and as one student, Ann Couch said, “When I entered the class here at the Center I found support that I never had before.” She went on to graduate from Halifax County Community college with a B average!

CCT has had an active role in education, besides helping its members get an education, CCT has been an ardent advocate for quality education in Halifax County. In 1986, a great struggle between the community members and the Halifax County Board of Education occurred. In order to prevent the Board from terminating the contract of the first female and the only Black woman superintendent, ever, of the Halifax County School System, 5 members of the Halifax County Black Caucus, including CCT’s Executive Director Gary R. Grant were arrested. At the next Board Meeting, one lone individual also was arrested for closing down the meeting, CCT’ Evangeline Grant Redding Briley. This group became known as the Halifax County 5 + 1.

In areas other than education, CCT has always been a leader in Halifax County and North Carolina. In 199, CCT began discussions that eventually led to the establishment of the Tillery Volunteer Fire Department and District. With leadership from the late Leanders “Lee” Amason and Kenneth Thompson, CCT led the push to organize this Department.

Brief History of the Concerned Citizens of Tillery

The concerned Citizens of Tillery (CCT), Founded in 1978, was built upon the work of previous organizations that had toiled for Civil Rights and Social Justice for African Americans in Tillery and Halifax County. The impetus for CCT's creation was the School Board's attempt to close the Tillery Chapel Elementary School. Many of the leaders from past struggles and their children rallied once again to save the community and its school.

From 1978 to 1981, CCT kept the school open; but in 1981 the doors were closed. However, during the struggle to keep the school open, CCT secured a deed to the Tillery Community Center property. In 1981, CCT was incorporated as a nonprofit organization, and two years later it become the first Tillery community organization, to achieve federal tax exempt status. This helped CCT to seek a $15,000 grant from the Z. Smith Reynolds foundation for renovation of the Community Center and program development.

CCT has evolved into a model community-based organization whose purpose is to promote and improve the social, economic and educational welfare of the citizens in the surrounding community through the self-development of its members. CCT seeks to achieve its mission by providing information, conducting educational activities, participating in voter registration and educational efforts, promoting leadership and teaching organizational skills. CCT also provides such necessary services as transportation and health care, workshops on issues such as land ownership and debt control, and programs on African American culture and heritage. CCT gives direction and support to the various member organizations which have or will become part of the Concerned Citizens of Tillery.

How We Have Succeeded

CCT has accomplished many of its goals since its creation in 1978. Each member organization has had its successes and CCT celebrates with them...

The Concerned Citizens of Tillery's unique, creative and path breaking organizing model has been recognized locally, nationally and internationally. However, we do not proceed with our mission in order to receive awards. CCT firmly believes that in order for communities to survive, members must have a voice in the decisions which will have an impact, adverse or otherwise, on their lives. We will continue to work toward creating a safe environment where even the most alienated, disenfranchised and historically oppressed people can speak, for speaking is the first step toward action.

CCT has successfully seated grassroots folk on county boards including the Council on Aging, the Health Department, School Board, and other programs including Smart Start. CCT drafted and implemented the first Intensive Livestock Ordinance in North Carolina, copied by many other counties, and also created a model for health care in partnerships with universities that also was used in five other communities. CCT has opened the Resettlement Community Restaurant and Store in Tillery and helped local and state politicians win their office.

1995 -- CCT won the NC State Historic Halifax Resolves Award for its Photo Exhibit of “Remembering Tillery... A New Deal Resettlement.” We were the first African American group or individual to receive the award 1995 -- Certificate of Environmental Achievement -- The National Awards Council for Environmental Sustainability 1995 -- Certificate of Appreciation -- Brawley High School Reunion 1995 -- We the Peoples: 50 Communities Award -- In honor of the United Nations 50th Anniversary, Friends of the United Nations 1996 -- Trail Blazer Award -- For Extraordinary Activism In Building the Environmental Justice Movement

Most of the farm jobs have disappeared and have been replaced with low paying factory jobs 15 to 45 miles away from the community.

Halifax County, NC

Halifax County is the fourth poorest county in the state of North Carolina.

African Americans comprise 49% of the population.

40% of the African American population lives in poverty.

60% of Black children are raised in poverty.

56 out of 100 teenage girls get pregnant early.

Halifax County has the most households in North Carolina (17.5%) with below standard or no indoor plumbing.

CCT Outreach

Community OrganizingWith the philosophy that each community needs to organize around issues most important to it, CCT offers technical support to many local groups in the process of formation and expansion. CCT assists newly organized groups to develop and define their purpose and structure. Most importantly, CCT helps groups work to define their concerns positively and to convert "problems" into "issues" which may be addressed through concrete actions that eventually impact state and national agendas through local action. Any community that would like any type of help, support or guidance from CCT is encouraged to contact us.

Creating AlliancesCCT is always looking to form new coalitions. partnerships and alliances with like-minded institutions and organizations. The Hog Roundtable, People's Health Clinic, and the Southeast Halifax Environmental Reawakening are just three examples of the meaningful and mutually beneficial alliances that CCT has formed. If your organization is interested in joining with CCT to form a meaningful partnership or alliance, please contact us.

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